Context & Background: The Ghosts of Finance Past

The 2008 financial crisis was a watershed moment, a global economic meltdown that sent shockwaves through markets, governments, and the lives of ordinary citizens. Triggered by the collapse of the housing market, fueled by subprime mortgages and complex financial instruments, the crisis led to the bankruptcy of major financial institutions, widespread job losses, and a deep recession that impacted economies worldwide. The aftermath saw intense public scrutiny of the financial sector, debates about regulation, and a lingering sense of disillusionment with the capitalist system.

Against this backdrop, “Make It Happen” emerges as a piece of theater aiming to make sense of this recent historical trauma. The choice to feature Adam Smith, the intellectual father of modern capitalism, as a spectral guide or commentator is a particularly potent one. Smith’s seminal work, “The Wealth of Nations” (1776), laid out the principles of free markets, competition, and the self-interested pursuit of profit as drivers of societal prosperity. However, the events of 2008 seemed to many to be a stark perversion or a catastrophic failure of these very principles, highlighting the potential for unchecked greed and deregulation to lead to ruin.

The play, premiering in Edinburgh, a city steeped in the intellectual heritage of the Scottish Enlightenment, is inherently tied to its location. The audience is invited to consider Smith’s enduring ideas within the very landscape that nurtured them. This setting adds a layer of historical resonance, prompting a dialogue between the theoretical underpinnings of capitalism and its real-world, often messy, outcomes. The decision to cast Brian Cox, a Scottish actor of immense stature, as Smith further solidifies this connection, lending an authentic and powerful voice to the philosophical debates at the play’s core.

In-Depth Analysis: Cox’s Spectral Wisdom

Brian Cox’s portrayal of Adam Smith is described as the linchpin of “Make It Happen.” Rather than a dry, academic lecture, Cox’s ghost is an active participant, a keen observer wrestling with the legacy of his own ideas in the face of such widespread economic devastation. The New York Times review emphasizes his ability to imbue the philosopher with a complex emotionality, suggesting a man both proud of his foundational insights and perhaps, in a spectral sense, dismayed by their misapplication or the unintended consequences that have arisen.

The effectiveness of this theatrical conceit lies in its ability to humanize abstract economic concepts. Adam Smith, through Cox’s performance, becomes a conduit through which audiences can process the complexities of the 2008 crisis. Is the crisis a betrayal of Smith’s vision, or an inevitable outcome of its flawed implementation? Does the “invisible hand” falter when greed becomes too visible and too powerful? These are the questions that Cox’s Smith, a figure both ethereal and deeply grounded in philosophical thought, is likely posing to the characters on stage and the audience in the seats.

The article notes that Cox is the “bright spot,” implying that while the play’s thematic ambitions are grand, the execution might be uneven. However, Cox’s presence seems to elevate the entire production. His reputation, built on years of commanding performances, suggests he brings a rare blend of intellectual weight and raw charisma to the role. He is not merely reciting lines; he is inhabiting a philosophical consciousness, a specter grappling with the very fabric of modern economic life. One can imagine Cox using his formidable presence to deliver Smith’s pronouncements with both the authoritative clarity of a groundbreaking thinker and the melancholic wisdom of one witnessing the long-term, often painful, ramifications of his foundational theories.

The ghost motif also allows for a unique temporal perspective. Smith, observing the events of 2008 from beyond the veil of mortal time, can offer commentary and critique that is both informed by his historical context and acutely aware of its future implications. This creates opportunities for dramatic irony and poignant reflection, as the audience, armed with hindsight, watches the ghost of capitalism’s prophet contend with its most recent spectacular failure. The play is, in essence, a meditation on the enduring relevance of Smith’s work, but also a critical examination of how those ideas have been interpreted, adapted, and perhaps corrupted over centuries.

Pros and Cons: A Ghost of a Chance

Based on the information provided, the primary strength of “Make It Happen” is undeniably Brian Cox’s performance. His ability to inhabit the ghost of Adam Smith with “haunting” skill is a significant draw and suggests a performance that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant. The play’s thematic ambition – to confront the 2008 financial crisis through the lens of its most famous economic theorist – is also a considerable pro. It promises a thought-provoking and relevant piece of theater that tackles a subject of immense public importance.

However, the description of Cox as the “bright spot” implies potential weaknesses in other areas of the production. While not explicitly stated, this phrasing could suggest that the play’s script, direction, or supporting cast may not consistently match the brilliance of Cox’s performance. A complex subject like the 2008 financial crisis can be challenging to dramatize effectively, and there’s always a risk of the play becoming too didactic or failing to connect with audiences on a visceral level beyond the intellectual engagement.

The use of a ghost as a central character, while intriguing, also carries inherent challenges. Maintaining the believability of such a conceit and ensuring that it serves the narrative rather than overwhelming it requires skillful writing and staging. Furthermore, a play focused on economic theory, even when personified by a charismatic actor, might struggle to appeal to a broad audience if it doesn’t find compelling human stories within the financial machinations. The success of “Make It Happen” will likely depend on how well it balances its intellectual payload with dramatic impact and emotional depth, a balance that the review suggests Cox is single-handedly anchoring.

The critical reception, even with its praise for Cox, might indicate that the play is more successful as a character study and philosophical exploration than as a fully realized dramatic narrative of the crisis itself. The “cons” might therefore lie in its ability to tell a complete and satisfying story about the crisis, rather than using it as a backdrop for a deconstruction of economic thought.

Key Takeaways

• Brian Cox delivers a “hauntingly good” performance as the ghost of Adam Smith in the new play “Make It Happen.”
• The play uses the 2008 banking crisis as its central theme, exploring the complexities of capitalism.
• Cox’s portrayal is described as the “bright spot” of the production, suggesting his performance is a significant draw and a strong anchor for the play’s ambitious themes.
• The theatrical conceit of featuring Adam Smith allows for a unique examination of the philosopher’s ideas in the context of a modern economic disaster.
• The play is set in Edinburgh, adding a layer of historical and intellectual resonance given Adam Smith’s Scottish heritage.
• While Cox’s performance is lauded, the review hints at potential unevenness in other aspects of the production.
• “Make It Happen” aims to humanize complex economic theories and make them accessible through dramatic interpretation.

Future Outlook: Beyond the Specter

The success of “Make It Happen” in Edinburgh will undoubtedly pave the way for its future. If the critical acclaim for Brian Cox’s performance translates into strong audience engagement, it is highly probable that the play will tour to other major theatrical hubs. Cities like London, New York, and perhaps even further afield, could very well see this production grace their stages.

The play’s exploration of the 2008 financial crisis remains a relevant topic. Even with over a decade having passed, the fundamental questions about financial regulation, corporate responsibility, and the inherent stability of capitalist systems continue to be debated. A production that offers a nuanced and intellectually stimulating perspective on these issues, anchored by a star of Cox’s caliber, is likely to find a receptive audience.

Furthermore, the play’s success could spark further theatrical explorations of economic history and theory. The pairing of influential thinkers with pivotal historical events has proven to be a fruitful avenue for dramatization. We might see other historical figures, from Keynes to Marx, brought to life on stage to comment on contemporary economic challenges.

The long-term impact will also depend on how the play is received beyond its initial run. Does it spark wider conversations about the ethics of finance? Does it encourage a deeper understanding of economic principles among the general public? The “bright spot” for Cox suggests that the play has the potential to be more than just a fleeting theatrical event; it could become a significant cultural touchstone for discussing a defining economic moment of the 21st century.

Call to Action: Witness the Spectre

For those in Edinburgh or planning a visit, securing tickets for “Make It Happen” is a compelling proposition. To witness Brian Cox, an actor whose reputation precedes him, inhabit the spectral form of Adam Smith and dissect the intricacies of the 2008 financial crisis is an opportunity not to be missed. This play promises an intellectual feast wrapped in a captivating performance, offering a unique lens through which to understand a pivotal moment in modern history.

The New York Times review serves as a strong endorsement, highlighting Cox’s performance as a must-see event. Whether you are a theater enthusiast, a student of economics, or simply someone seeking a thought-provoking and powerfully acted drama, “Make It Happen” appears to deliver on multiple fronts. It’s a chance to engage with complex ideas in an accessible and dramatically compelling way, guided by one of the finest actors of our generation.

Consider attending “Make It Happen” not just for the spectacle of a celebrated actor, but for the opportunity to engage with the enduring questions of capitalism and its consequences. The ghost of Adam Smith is on stage, ready to provoke thought and stir the soul. Don’t let this spectral encounter pass you by.